An Outlander's Guide to Scotland- Spring Break 2024

Stirling Castle

From Edinburgh and Glasgow in the south to the wild Highlands of the north, Scotland is a country full of natural beauty, culture, and history. This First Year Experience will cultivate leadership and communication skills while also preparing you for an immersive experience: Spring Break in Scotland! Join us as we explore the geography, history, and culture of bonnie Scotland. Ye dinnae ken Scotland yet, but you will! 

All students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to join!

Photos - Pixabay.com

How to sign up:

Registration is not finalized and your spot in the program is not reserved until all of the below steps are completed.

The final cut-off date to complete all of the below steps is October 31, 2023.

Option A

  1. Submit a Traveler's Information Form to Maleeha Latif in the Office of International Programs.
  2. Pay the initial travel deposit of $300
  3. Register for the FYE titled: An Outlanders Guide to Scotland. Participants of this international travel program are required to be enrolled in the spring 2024 First Year Experience: An Outlander’s Guide to Scotland, which is comprised of the following spring semester courses:
     
    • UNIV 110: First-Year Seminar (2 cr.) – Mondays & Wednesdays,  12-12:50pm
    • LEAD 101: Introduction to Leadership (3 cr. ) – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30-10:45am
    • COMM 110: Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 cr.) – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11am-12:15pm

    If you have not already done so, to enroll in the FYE, speak with your academic advisor and then complete the FYE Registration Form on the First-Year Experience home page. Spring registration begins at the end of October.

*Students are responsible for the cost of the spring break travel (March 1-12, 2024). Do not sign up for this FYE if you are not able to travel out of the country during the program dates.

Option B

  1. Submit a Traveler's Information Form to Maleeha Latif in the Office of International Programs. 
  2. Pay the initial travel deposit of $300
  3. Speak with your academic advisor and register for the 1 credit LEAD 199 course. Spring registration begins at the end of October. 

*Students are responsible for the cost of the spring break travel (March 1-12, 2024). Do not sign up for this class if you are not able to travel out of the country during the program dates.


Program Itinerary and Highlights

Travel Dates: March 1 - 12, 2024

The customized itinerary includes famous museums dedicated to history and culture, important architectural and heritage sites, and breathtaking natural scenery.

A tentative itinerary is provided linked here. Note that it is subject to change as the program dates approach.

A typical day will involve an active itinerary of lectures, sightseeing and cultural excursions starting early in the morning and lasting all day. The itinerary will be fast-paced at times so that you get the most of your short time in Scotland.

Travel Company Information: The logistical aspects of this program are being facilitated by WorldStrides Customized Programs. Participants are subject to both MSU and WorldStrides policies. 


Program Cost

Base Program Fee: $3,550

The program fee includes: 

  • 10 nights hotel (double occupancy) in 3-star properties. Inquire with the Director of International Programs if you would like to request a single room for an additional cost of $822.
  • 10 breakfasts
  • As detailed within your itinerary:
    • Group meals
    • Cultural activities & immersions
    • One non-alcoholic beverage at all included meals
    • All applicable entrance fees for cultural sites, unless otherwise noted
    • Bottled water on all coach rides
  • Locally-based resident staff and orientation meeting upon arrival
  • English-speaking trained professional tour guides
  • Entrance fees for museums and cultural sites
  • Customary gratuities for group meals, guides, and drivers
  • Country guidebook and pre-travel docs
  • Emergency international medical insurance
  • 24/7 emergency support
  • Customized app with offline access to materials including day-to-day itinerary and group messaging.

Items not included in the program fee are:

  • International airfare; flight costs will be determined closer to the departure date.
  • Meals not listed on the itinerary (you will need to budget an additional approximate $20 per meal).
  • Transportation for free-time and optional activities.
  • Departure fees (i.e. airline luggage fees).
  • Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance $279. Minot State and WorldStrides strongly recommend that all participants purchase this optional insurance.

The program fee is an estimate and subject to availability. The tour price is based on a minimum of 15 participants. The trip will be feasible with fewer than the minimum, but if the minimum number of participants is not reached, the price may increase or services may be modified to accommodate a smaller group. If more than 20 participants sign up, the program fee may decrease slightly.


Payment Deadlines

$300 Non-refundable deposit due as a part of the application.
October 31, 2023: additional $1,500
December 15, 2023: additional $1,500
January 10, 2024: Remaining balance of the program fee is due.


Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Minot State's travel partner for this program, WorldStrides, is committed to making international travel accessible for all students. WorldStrides is generously offering a select number of $500 needs-based scholarships for this very program! In addition, WorldStrides offers numerous scholarship opportunities. Learn more about these financial assistance programs.

Group Fundraising

Looking to fundraise? You're in luck! The faculty leaders are planning several fundraising activities to help cover the cost of student travel. Contact information is listed below so that you can reach out to join the fundraising efforts.

Gift of Education

You can also embark upon your own individual fundraising campaign/activities! Some great ideas are outlined in this GoAbroad.com article, "15 Little-Known Study Abroad Fundraising Ideas." If you start a crowdfunding campaign, request contributions from friends and family as a way to celebrate your birthday or holidays. The gift of international travel is much more valuable than a sweater or a pair of socks!

Financial Aid

Financial Aid can be applied to cover study tour fees, so students might want to consider the possibility of obtaining Financial Aid (generally including loans) to assist in funding their program. For more information about this option, please visit the Financial Aid Office, or call them at (701) 858-3375.


Contact us for more information!

contact info
Jessica-Smestad.jpg

Jessica Smestad
Director of Honors Program
Old Main 101
Jessica.Smestad@MinotStateU.edu

Jim Sturm

Jim Sturn
Director of Looyenga Leadership Center
Old Main 101
James.P.Sturm@minotstateu.edu

Dr. Zeb Wallace

Dr. Zeb Wallace
Assistant Professor of Geography
Old Main 202F
Zebulon.Wallace@MinotStateU.edu

Maleeha Latif

Maleeha Latif
Director of International Programs
Administration Building, Room 362
Maleeha.Latif@MinotStateU.edu

 

page updated September 6th, 2023 (ml)